PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali condemned the violent actions of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro after they invaded the country’s Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court on Sunday.

“We condemn every attempt and attack against the presidency and democratic institutions of Brazil. Those who utilize violence to subvert democracy must be brought swiftly to Justice,” President Ali said in a short release issued by the Office of the President.

He added, “We call on all stakeholders to be responsible and not be part of this unacceptable behaviour. Guyana stands with the law-abiding people of Brazil and the institutions of the state in defence of democracy.”

According to Reuters, President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in an October election, announced a federal security intervention in Brasilia lasting until Jan. 31, after capital security forces were initially overwhelmed by the invaders.

The invaders left a trail of destruction in their wake, throwing furniture through the smashed windows of the presidential palace, flooding parts of Congress with a sprinkler system and ransacking ceremonial rooms in the Supreme Court.

These actions were condemned by other leaders around the world.

U.S. President Joe Biden called the events an “assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power,” adding that Brazil’s democratic institutions had full U.S. support.

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter: “The will of the Brazilian people and the democratic institutions must be respected! President Lula can count on France’s unwavering support.”

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said, “The coup attempt by the Brazilian conservatives urged on by the leadership of oligarchic power, their spokespersons and fanatics, is reprehensible and undemocratic. Lula is not alone, he has the support of the progressive forces of his country, Mexico, the American continent and the world.”